A transfer is a chargeable transaction and is considered to be any request to change the legal registrant of a domain name from one legal entity to another.  

There are a wide variety of circumstances where a change to the registrant field is requested, and the following non-exhaustive list is intended to set out a variety of examples of chargeable changes.  There are, as always, exceptions to the rule, but these guidelines should provide help for most cases.

Transfers (with transfer charge)

Any change to the information held for the legal registrant of a domain name which means that the registrant changes from one legal entity to another is regarded as a transfer. This is because our contract for the registration of the domain name changes to another company, organisation or individual.

If you do not believe that the change you are requesting is a transfer of registration, the onus is on you to provide evidence to support your claim.

Please note that these guidelines were reviewed and revised in June 2004.

In all of the following situations there would be a transfer charge:

A request to change the legal registrant from one separate identifiable entity to another, even if the current registrant says that the domain name should not have been registered to them.

A separate entity includes an individual person, sole trader, unlimited partnership, Limited Liability Partnerships, incorporated companies (including those in liquidation and receivership), corporations, charities, trusts, foreign/overseas companies, church bodies, statutory bodies, academic institutions and bodies, schools, unincorporated clubs and societies.

Legal registrant changing from a sole trader to a partnership

A change from a sole trader to partnership status can be made by adding a partner's name, whilst the trading name remains the same.  You need to send us a completed transfer form and a signed letter on the partnership business paper, signed by both the sole trader and new partner(s).  (A change to the trading name can be made once the partner's name has been added if requested).

Legal registrant changing from a partnership to a sole trader

As above, both partners must sign to show their agreement.

Legal registrant changing from a sole individual to joint individuals

An individual may choose to share their rights in a domain name with one or more individuals. This also applies when a limited company wants to share their rights in a domain name with another limited company.

When a sole trader/partner (still active or contactable) transfers the domain name to an incorporated company of which they are also a director

If the sole trader/partners is/are contactable then they should transfer the domain name to the incorporated company.

Adding a partner's name

This is a chargeable change, even if it involves swapping one name for another.

Parent/Guardian

If the registrant is a child under 18 years of age and the correct registrant should be their parent or guardian, the correct procedure is a chargeable transfer.  Another parent or guardian may need to sign on the child's behalf.  The same applies if the registrant is the parent or guardian and it should be in the name of a child.

Partnership to Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

The partnership will need to complete a transfer form.

Friendly Society to Limited Company

This is the same legal entity but a change in legal status.  The Friendly Society will need to complete a transfer form.

Domain name originally registered by an ex employee

If the domain name was originally registered by an ex employee, the company will need to complete a transfer form and indemnity form.  They should contact Nominet for further information.

When the legal registrant is a company that has merged with another company

The current registrant should transfer the domain name to the new company.

When the legal registrant is a company that is in receivership or liquidation or administration

The receivers or liquidators must sign/countersign the transfer documents on behalf of the company.

When the legal registrant is a UK company that has dissolved

Click here for more information.

When the registrant is deceased